Master VRChat's Hue Shift Effect

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Setting up the FX Controller
3. Creating the Animation
4. Applying Hue Shift to Avatar Materials
5. Adding Emissions to Avatar Materials
6. Animating the Hue Shift
7. Defining the Shader Parameters
8. Configuring the Animator
9. Uploading the Avatar to VR Chat
10. Testing the Avatar in VR Chat

Introduction

In this Unity tutorial, we will learn how to Create a hue shift effect on an avatar. Hue shifting allows You to change the color of your avatar's emissions using the 3.0 menu. We will guide you through the step-by-step process to achieve this effect. So let's dive in!

Setting up the FX Controller

To start, click on your avatar and make sure the FX Controller is visible in your controller list. If it's not, scroll down and extend the playable layers, then select the FX controller. Drag the FX controller onto your avatar.

Creating the Animation

Now, let's create the animation for the hue shift effect. With your avatar selected, go to the Animation window and click on "Create" or scroll down and select "New Clip." Name the animation the same as the parameter you created earlier (in this case, "Hue shift"). Double-tap your avatar to make it orange, then find the body texture. Unlock it and scroll down to the emissions in the special effects emissions section. Right-click next to the checked Hue shift and select the first option.

Applying Hue Shift to Avatar Materials

For each piece of your avatar that has emissions, Apply the hue shift animation. If a material has multiple instances, animate each one separately. Ensure that the animation starts at zero, goes to 100, and then returns to zero. Repeat this process for every area of your avatar that requires the hue shift effect.

Adding Emissions to Avatar Materials

In case you are unsure how to add emissions to your avatar materials, refer to a separate video tutorial that explains the process. Once added, make sure the emissions are dragged into the first emission slot with the box enabled.

Animating the Hue Shift

To animate the hue shift, drag the Hue shift parameter to the right and then back to the left in the animation window. Set the value to 100, drag it to the right again, and leave it there. Repeat this process for each material that requires the hue shift effect.

Defining the Shader Parameters

Scroll down to the parameters section of your avatar and add a float parameter with the same name as before. Ensure that the "Controller Modification" box is checked. This will maintain the hue shift color when switching virtual worlds.

Configuring the Animator

Head over to the Animator window and create a new layer with the same name as your animation. Set the weight to 1 and drag your animation into the layer. Enable the motion time parameter and select your animation. Be sure to disable loop time. Scroll down to the parameters section, add a new float parameter with the same name, and check the "Controller Modification" box.

Uploading the Avatar to VR Chat

Before uploading your avatar to VR Chat, make sure to select your avatar in the controller and click on the circle next to "None." This will prevent any issues caused by the animation during uploading.

Testing the Avatar in VR Chat

Now, in VR Chat, test your avatar's expressions and hue shift. You should be able to switch between different colors provided in the hue shift. To maintain a specific color, select the trigger or Mouse 1 on the special color.

If you face any issues during the process, don't hesitate to leave a comment or reach out to me on Discord. Thank you for following along, and I hope you find success in creating your hue-shifted avatar!